A former fiscal officer from the small Village of Belmore in Putnam County has been found liable for a recovery amount totaling $1,211.10 due to late tax payments, as reported on Thursday. The officer, Tammy Rayle, was responsible for the village's finances during a period from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, in which auditors have identified shortcomings in compliance with tax submission deadlines to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to the audit report released by the Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, the incurred penalties and interest were a direct result of Rayle's failure to properly manage the remittance of withholdings that her position entailed the auditors noted, "… she repeatedly failed to properly remit withholdings, and, therefore, she is liable for the late fees that were incurred to that negligence." The report sheds light on an avoidable financial setback for the village, which now seeks restitution.
The outcome of the audit means that Rayle, along with her bonding company, are now jointly and severally liable to cover the debt incurred by the village. The details of the report and the findings have been fully disclosed and made available to the public for scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of fiscal accountability in governmental operations. The full report can be found on the state auditor's official website.
